Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has decided to cancel the proposed Metro car shed project in Uttan, which was part of the Mira-Bhayandar Metro corridor. The decision came after fierce opposition from local residents concerned about environmental damage, particularly the felling of thousands of trees in the hilly village area. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced in a press conference that the formal order regarding the cancellation will be issued soon.
Project Details and Opposition
The Metro car shed was initially planned to support the Mira-Bhayandar-Dahisar Metro 9 and CSIA-Andheri Metro 7A projects. The first plan had identified a site in Rai village, Bhayandar, but strong protests from local farmers forced MMRDA to shift attention to a government-owned plot in Dongri village, Uttan. The authority even acquired the land for the project.
However, construction at the Uttan site required the cutting of over 11,300 trees of various species, which triggered widespread opposition from local residents and environmental activists. Locals argued that felling these trees would cause severe ecological damage in the Uttan region.
Decision to Cancel the Project
Taking into account both the environmental concerns and public protests, MMRDA decided in a recent meeting to cancel the Uttan Metro car shed project. Minister Sarnaik confirmed that the Metro route will now terminate at Subhash Chandra Bose Ground, instead of extending to Uttan, effectively ending the car shed plans in the area.
The MMRDA emphasized that this decision balances urban development with environmental conservation, responding to the concerns of local communities and stakeholders.
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